# Proposed Framework for Species / Habitat and Use Site

Proximity Analysis
Steve Kay, Pyxis Regulatory Consulting, Inc. April 22, 2014

# Interim Approaches Step 1 Methodology

• Documents process at a high level • Data neutral approach • Determines the Action Area based on:

– The spatial location of the use site(s)

– The lowest relevant toxicity value for the most sensitive species that results in the farthest distance from the use site(s) 

# • Action Area is the sum of both areas

# Proposed Implementation Principles
• Live within the overall rules set by EPA and the 

## Services • The proximity analysis should be:

– Automated, efficient and cost effective

– National in scope



### – Sub-county in spatial detail

– Data source independent

– Transparent and reproducible 

## • Ideally an evolving process that becomes more 

## effective over time

# Conceptual Implementation Determine Action Area (Most Sensitive Species) 

# Conduct Proximity Analysis 1. Spatially represent species / critical habitats 2. Identify species / critical habitats that overlap with the Action Area 1. Determine off-site portion of Action Area for most sensitive species 2. Spatially represent use site(s)

# Hypothetical Scenario
• Insecticide used on orchards / vineyards • Toxicology

– Highly toxic to insects

– Slightly acutely toxic to birds

– Possible sublethal (chronic) effects to mammals 

# • Action Area Distances

– Insects = 150 meters (approx. 500 feet)



## – Birds = 90 meters (approx. 300 feet)

– Mammals = 60 meters (approx. 200 feet) 

# • Action Area Distance: 150 meters

# Use-Sites: Orchards and Vineyards

Source: 2014 GESTF Pesticide Use Sites Dataset

# Action Area Distance from Use Sites

# Species / Habitat Locations –All Taxa

Source: USFWS ECOS Critical Habitat Portal

# Spatial Proximity Analysis

# Proximity Analysis – Tabular Results

# Proximity Analysis– Results by Taxon

0 5 10 15 20

0 1 - 60 61 - 90 91 - 150 >150

Birds Insects Mammals Most sensitive Taxon

Action Area distance Number of Species Total Taxon Within Action Area Outside Action Area Species Insects 16 57% 12 43% 28 Birds 14 78% 4 22% 18 Mammals 17 77% 5 23% 22 TOTAL 47 69% 21 31% 68

# Proximity Analysis – Results by Occurrence

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000

0 1 - 60 61 - 90 91 - 150 >150

Birds Insects Mammals Most sensitive Taxon Action Area distance Number of Critical Habitat/Species Locations Total Taxon Within Action Area Outside Action Area Occurrences Insects 64 351 415 Birds 866 4895 5761 Mammals 394 1390 1784 TOTAL 1324 6636 7960 Number of Critical Habitat / Species Locations Total Taxon Within Action Area Outside Action Area Occurrences Insects 64 15% 351 85% 415 Birds 866 15% 4895 85% 5761 Mammals 394 22% 1390 78% 1784 TOTALS 1324 17% 6636 83% 7960

# Conceptual Per-Taxon Implementation Action Area (Per-Taxon / Species) 

# Proximity Analysis 1. Spatially represent species / critical habitats 2. Identify species / critical habitats that fall within the Action Area 1. Determine off-site portion of Action Area for each taxon / species 2. Spatially represent use site(s)

# Species / Habitat Locations

# Proximity Analysis – Tabular Results

# Proximity Analysis– Results by Taxon

0 5 10 15 20

0 1 - 60 61 - 90 91 - 150 >150 Birds Insects Mammals Insect AA Dist. Number of Species Total Taxon Within Action Area Outside Action Area Species Insects 16 57% 12 43% 28 Birds 14 78% 4 22% 18 Mammals 16 73% 6 27% 22 TOTAL 47 69% 21 31% 68 Bird AA Dist. Mammal AA Dist.

# Proximity Analysis – Results by Occurrence

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000

0 1 - 60 61 - 90 91 - 150 >150

Birds Insects Mammals Insect AA Dist. Bird AA Dist. Mammal AA Dist. Number of Critical Habitat/Species Locations Total Taxon Within Action Area Outside Action Area Occurrences Insects 64 15% 351 85% 415 Birds 550 10% 5211 90% 5761 Mammals 195 11% 1589 89% 1784 TOTALS 809 10% 7151 90% 7960

# Proposed Framework - Summary

• Is flexible

– Can use any spatial data

– Allows more detailed or current data to be easily integrated

– National assessment performed at high resolution 

## • Is efficient and cost effective

– “Expensive” spatial proximity analysis only rerun when underlying use site or species data is updated

– Tabular summarization allows rapid assessment of multiple Action Area distances or other “what-if” scenarios 

## • Facilitates per-taxon assessment by making multiple Action Area distances easy to analyze 

## • Facilitates identification of potential interaction sites that need further investigation

# Q & A Steve Kay Pyxis Regulatory Consulting, Inc. 

# Tel: 253-853-7369 Email: Steve@PyxisRC.com